Cyprus game still worth it, insists Black

Scotland coach Kenny Black insists the friendly against Cyprus on Friday night remains worthwhile despite a raft of call-offs from Craig Levein’s squad.

Charlie Adam (knee), Graham Dorrans (ankle), Alan Hutton (knee), Lee Wallace (thigh), Russell Martin (ankle), David Marshall (illness) all pulled out while Leeds winger Robert Snodgrass remains a doubt. Levein has drafted in St Mirren keeper Craig Samson, Stephen Crainey of Blackpool, MK Dons defender Gary McKenzie, Cardiff midfielder Craig Conway and Hearts’ Ryan Stevenson.

The friendly in Larnaca is the first step in preparation for the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign which starts next year. Asked if there was still a point to playing the game, Black said: “Very much so. Craig is keen to keep that spirit in the camp. We will have three or four days together but the most important thing is that we win the game.”